In life, we’re all players in a game.
But most of us aren’t playing to our full potential.
The reason?
A dependence on external validation.
Needing validation for every decision chains you, keeping you stuck on a path designed by others.
You’re only playing the game fully once you’re capable of making independent moves—moves that are yours, shaped by your values and vision.
Without this ability, you’re trapped and cucked, unable to break free and act from a place of real power.
Independence requires:
- Courage
- Patience
- And resilience
but it’s the only way to play the game on your terms.
The Trap of Validation
Validation is a double-edged sword.
On one hand, it provides a sense of security, a reassuring signal that we’re on the “right” path.
But in reality, it’s a trap.
Needing validation means that every choice you make is subject to external opinion, constantly molded by the:
- Values
- Judgments
- Or biases of others.
You’re no longer playing your game – you’re playing theirs.
This dependency weakens your power.
Each time you rely on external approval, you build a habit of dependency, making it harder to stand by your convictions when they go against the grain.
The truth is, those who achieve great things aren’t seeking approval.
They’re making independent moves, guided by their principles, not by the crowd’s reactions.
To play the game fully, you must detach from the need for validation and start thinking for yourself.
Public Opinion Is Fickle
Another reason to avoid seeking approval is that public opinion is notoriously unstable.
What’s celebrated today is often condemned tomorrow.
Think of:
- Fashion
- Music
- Or even cultural values
what’s in style now might seem ridiculous in a few years.
If you’re only making choices based on what’s popular, you’re building on shaky ground.
History is full of examples of people who made moves that were misunderstood in their time.
Years later, however, these moves were recognized as pivotal, even revolutionary.
The true impact of a decision is rarely clear in the moment – it can take:
- 5
- 10
- Or even 20 years
for its legacy to unfold.
This means that if you’re chasing immediate praise, you’re likely to make decisions that look good now but ultimately lead you astray.
Real power comes from ignoring the noise and staying committed to moves that resonate with your long-term vision.
The Price of Chasing Praise
The desire for praise often leads people into weak or sloppy positions.
To win others’ approval, they compromise on their true desires, bending their principles to fit the current trend.
The problem is, this approach is reactive, not strategic.
When you’re constantly chasing validation, you’re not setting yourself up for success – you’re setting yourself up to be taken advantage of.
Chasing approval leads to:
- Burnout
- Disappointment
- And, ultimately, resentment.
People feel drained because they’re sacrificing authenticity for acceptance.
This compromises their:
- Strength
- Creativity
- And focus
trapping them in a cycle of reactive, short-sighted moves.
But when you’re driven by principles rather than praise, you create a solid foundation.
You start building moves that support a legacy, rather than seeking temporary admiration.
The Hidden Nature of Powerful Moves
One of the biggest misconceptions about making moves is the idea that they should produce immediate results or recognition.
Powerful moves don’t always reveal their impact right away.
Instead, they’re built over time through:
- Habit
- Principles + Mental Models
- And consistency.
These moves might look inconspicuous at first, but they build the framework for greater opportunities and leverage down the line.
Think about the athlete who practices relentlessly, focusing on:
- Form
- Strength
- And endurance.
Their moves aren’t immediately obvious or glamorous, but over time, their skill and agility give them a competitive edge.
Or the entrepreneur who commits to learning everything about their industry before launching a product.
They may not be making flashy moves, but the foundation they’re building prepares them for massive success.
In every field, those who make impactful moves don’t just think about the present – they think about the future.
They make decisions that are aligned with their principles, understanding that consistency yields openings and leverage over time.
These “silent moves” don’t get applause, but they’re the ones that build empires.
The Power of Principles and Habit
The process of making moves that count isn’t about impulse or spur-of-the-moment decisions – it’s about establishing habits and principles that guide your actions.
When you’re grounded in principles, you don’t need to seek validation because you know your moves align with something bigger than immediate feedback.
Principles give you a framework for assessing choices independently, and habits give you the consistency needed to carry out those choices over time.
People who make independent moves are those who have done the inner work of understanding what they stand for.
They’ve set habits and routines that serve as their daily practice, reinforcing the principles they live by.
These principles act as a compass, guiding their moves.
They become unstoppable not because they’re chasing approval but because they’ve crafted a life where validation is irrelevant.
Embracing the Process Over Praise
When you shift your focus from validation to process, you start playing the game differently.
Instead of chasing the applause, you’re committed to growth, understanding that meaningful progress often goes unnoticed.
It’s in this space—detached from public opinion—that true power is born.
Independent moves require you to value the process more than the outcome.
Success, in this case, isn’t about how many people praise you but about how many consistent moves you make in alignment with your goals.
The process builds character, and that character is what ultimately attracts real opportunities and respect.
By focusing on the process, you free yourself from the highs and lows of public opinion, staying committed to the vision that you’ve built from the ground up.
Stepping into Full Power
To play the game fully, you must embrace the freedom that comes with making independent moves.
This freedom isn’t about defying others just for the sake of it – it’s about acting in alignment with your inner compass.
When you’re guided by principles, you no longer need permission to move forward, and that is where true power lies.
Playing the game fully is about reaching a place where you’re no longer swayed by applause or discouraged by criticism.
You’re building moves with a purpose, setting the stage for a legacy.
By detaching from the need for validation, you start to attract respect rather than demand it.
- People
- Opportunities
- And resources
all aligned with your vision.
This level of freedom—of full ownership over your life—can’t be achieved if you’re still seeking approval.
Building Resilience Against the Need for Approval
Moving independently goes against much of what we’re taught.
Many of us are conditioned to seek validation from a young age, making it a deeply ingrained habit.
Breaking free requires resilience and a willingness to be misunderstood.
Cultivating resilience means developing a thick skin, an ability to ignore the critics who don’t see your vision.
It means staying grounded in your values, knowing that your legacy might take years to materialize.
It requires embracing solitude at times, finding strength within rather than from outside sources.
Playing the Game Fully—On Your Terms
The ultimate game in life isn’t about chasing applause – it’s about creating a life that reflects who you truly are.
To play the game fully, you have to move independently, guided by your principles rather than trends.
The process builds openings, and these openings grant you leverage, helping you secure the positions you truly desire.
Stop playing for validation.
The applause is temporary, but the impact of independent moves is lasting.
Start making decisions from a place of power and purpose, letting your vision guide you rather than public opinion.
The game is yours to play, and when you play it independently, you play it fully.
Want access to more powerful insights?
Read “Twitter Meditations“.
It’s a collection of golden maxims proven to help increase income, develop better relationships, attain greater freedom, and live a better life!
Enjoy.
-M.I.
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My name is Mister Infinite. I've written 500+ articles for people who want more out of life. Within this website you will find the motivation and action steps to live a better lifestyle.
